Quick Answer
Yes, it is possible to freeze uncooked stuffed zucchini. Freezing is a great way to preserve stuffed zucchini for later use. However, there are some steps you should take to ensure the zucchini hold up well when frozen.
What is stuffed zucchini?
Stuffed zucchini is a dish that involves filling zucchini shells with a mixture of ingredients like cheese, breadcrumbs, meat, vegetables, herbs, etc. The stuffed zucchini is then often baked until the filling is cooked through and the zucchini is tender. Some common fillings for stuffed zucchini include:
- Ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, basil
- Ground beef, pork or turkey, onions, tomatoes, cheese
- Bread crumbs, feta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes
- Quinoa, black beans, corn, peppers, cumin
The crispy zucchini shell and savory, flavorful filling make for an easy and delicious meal or side dish. Stuffed zucchini can be served warm after baking but also makes for great leftovers.
Can uncooked stuffed zucchini be frozen?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to freeze uncooked stuffed zucchini. Freezing stuffed zucchini is a great way to make them in advance for quick, easy meals later.
Here are some tips for freezing uncooked stuffed zucchini:
- Make sure the zucchini are fresh and firm. Avoid zucchini that are very large or overripe.
- Wash the zucchini well before stuffing.
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the inner flesh, leaving about a 1/4 inch shell.
- Prepare the filling but leave it uncooked. Cool it completely before stuffing the zucchini.
- Fill the zucchini shells gently with the filling. Pack it in without overstuffing.
- Place the stuffed zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours.
- Transfer the frozen stuffed zucchini individually into freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air.
- Label the bags with contents and freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezing the stuffed zucchini first on a tray prevents them from sticking together in the freezer bag. Be sure the filling is cooled fully so the zucchini don’t start cooking before being frozen.
How to cook frozen stuffed zucchini
Cooking frozen stuffed zucchini is simple. There are a few easy methods:
Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place frozen stuffed zucchini in a baking dish.
- Bake 35-45 minutes until heated through and lightly browned.
Microwave:
- Microwave each stuffed zucchini for 2-3 minutes until hot.
- Let stand 2 minutes before serving.
Stovetop:
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add frozen stuffed zucchini and cook about 5 minutes per side until browned and heated through.
The stuffing should be 165°F when fully cooked. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with Parmesan, herbs, or sauce if desired.
Tips for the best results
Here are some top tips for freezing and cooking stuffed zucchini perfectly:
- Use fresh, in-season zucchini for best quality and texture.
- Don’t overstuff the zucchini which can make them prone to breaking.
- Make sure the filling is cooled fully before stuffing the zucchini.
- Freeze stuffed zucchini in a single layer on a tray first to prevent sticking.
- Store frozen zucchini tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
- Thaw slightly before cooking for more even heating if microwaving.
- Add a few tablespoons of water to the baking dish if reheating in the oven.
- Cook to 165°F internal temperature and allow to rest before serving.
Conclusion
Freezing uncooked stuffed zucchini is an excellent way to save prep time and have a quick meal ready to bake anytime. The key is using fresh zucchini, fully cooled filling, and freezing the stuffed shells in a single layer before storing in bags. Thaw slightly before cooking frozen stuffed zucchini through in the oven, microwave, or skillet. With proper freezing and reheating, you can enjoy delicious stuffed zucchini just like they were freshly made.
